30-07-2025
July 31 South Africa (Vaal) form guide
Race 1 (1,600m)
(6) REDLIGHTGREENLIGHT is in form and can upstage those rivals in receipt of 3kg.
(3) SINGLETON SAM and (4) THE LAST DUKE improved after a first outing as impressive maiden winners recently. Bear watching.
(1) MIGHTY EAGLE and (2) RED PENNY let down a little when beaten by a subsequent Grade 2-placed runner over 1,400m. Stay with them on earlier form.
Race 2 (1,200m)
(1) ICONIC WINTER caught the eye last time in her second start back from a lengthy layoff. Could go one better.
(4) BLUSHING BLOOM has improved with each outing and should be a factor after a career-best second last time.
(7) RINGA RINGA ROSES and (10) TWELFTH OF NEVER are not taken lightly on debut.
Race 3 (1,200m)
(1) XENOPHON is due for a win soon on the strength and consistency of his form.
(11) POWER OF PEARLS ran a fast-finishing third over 1,000m on debut. Open to improvement following a 186-day absence.
Younger rivals (8) CAPTAIN FRANK and (9) GAVIUS MAXIMUS fit a similar profile, so should not be underestimated.
Race 4 (1,600m)
(8) RADIO STAR stayed on for fifth in 1,400m race after a second in both previous outings over the same distance against older opposition. The step-up in trip will suit.
(7) MATROOSBERG and (6) LUWAK, a pleasing debut third, are also likely to improve.
(4) BEST CANDIDATE will improve on his debut sixth.
Race 5 (1,600m)
(8) BABETTE'S FEAST was rather one-paced on debut. Can improve.
(3) MATTIAZO is knocking on the door. Solid claims.
(10) WITCHING HOUR should have a role to play after a career-best second over this trip last time.
(2) NKWENKWEZI has the form and experience to make her presence felt but is vulnerable to less-exposed types.
Race 6 (1,450m)
(3) MISS LIA makes her reappearance from a six-month layoff following her no-show in a 3yo Fillies Grade 2. She won after a three-month break last year, so does run well fresh.
(8) DESTINY OF FIRE is capable of better than her recent performances suggest, so she should not be taken lightly at this level of her current rating.
(9) HONG KONG and (10) EXCEEDINGLY GLAM are also dangerous to discount at the bottom of the weights.
Race 7 (1,450m)
(1) TOO LATE MY MATE deserves a reward for her consistency and this drop in class represents an ideal opportunity for her to end a 522-day winless run.
(2) LADY SABRINA, (5) WHIRLYBIRD and (6) MAVERICK QUEEN seem most likely dangers.
Race 8 (1,450m)
(5) PALACE PRINCE is an up-and-comer whose progress should be worth following.
(1) FOSTINOVO ran fifth at Turffontein on July 26. Every chance if taking his place at this lower level with a 1.5kg-claimer up.
(2) CRESCENDO had excuses for his disappointing last start and a subsequent 75-day break would have done him good.
Hard-knockers (3) AFTER HOURS cannot be ignored at this level but is vulnerable to less-exposed, improving types.
